Strike action by members of Unite has seen thousands of tonnes of rubbish go uncollected and warnings of a public health emergency in Birmingham. The strikes begun as Birmingham city council’s wanted to abolish 150 WRCO roles (Waste Recycling and Collection Officer) which would lead to these employees earning £8,000 less. Many believe that Birmingham City Council is doing this due to them being in financial difficulty.
A deal to resolve strikes could be “in touching distance”, the Unite union has announced.
Talks to end the strike now involve the conciliation service Acas for the first time, signalling an agreement could be .near
Unite secretary general Sharon Graham said that while a deal is close, “Birmingham City Council is again guilty of saying one thing in public and another in the negotiations”.
“This flip flopping needs to be sorted prior to the Acas negotiations next week, so the dispute can be resolved and end the uncertainty for workers and the misery for Birmingham residents,” she added.
“The threats of savage pay cuts must also now cease for drivers. Unite has put forward workable proposals. The ball is now in the council’s court.”
Over 350 Unite union workers staged walkouts in January, prior to escalating to indefinite strike action in March, citing fear over further attacks on their jobs, pay and conditions due to the councils.
This has resulted to rubbish being left on pavements and residents fearful due to the public health risk, because the rotting waste has been attracting vermin and pests such as foxes, cockroaches and rats which have now become more brazen.
Communities minister Jim McMahon stated on Tuesday that “significant progress” has been made in dealing with the remaining rubbish through “a concerted effort” and with the assistance of other councils, private operators and workers.
He added that 26,000 tonnes of excess waste had now been removed, and the levels were “approaching normal”.
Prior to todays talks, members rejected the council’s latest offer on 14 April by 97% on a 60% turnout, saying it was “totally inadequate” and didn’t address potential pay cuts for 200 drivers.
The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner visited Birmingham earlier this month and called on the union to accept a deal.
